Kalpana Kalpana (Editor)

Tehachapi slender salamander

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Kingdom
  
Animalia

Order
  
Caudata

Genus
  
Batrachoseps

Higher classification
  
Slender salamander

Phylum
  
Chordata

Family
  
Plethodontidae

Scientific name
  
Batrachoseps stebbinsi

Rank
  
Species

Similar
  
Kern Canyon slender s, Slender salamander, Salamander, Relictual slender salamander, Gregarious slender salamander

The Tehachapi slender salamander (Batrachoseps stebbinsi) is a plethodontid salamander, and one of the larger members of genus Batrachoseps. It is endemic to California, in Kern County in the western United States.

Contents

Distribution

The Tehachapi slender salamander is closely related to the Kern Canyon slender salamander. It is considered a threatened species in California, and is found only in isolated areas of the Piute and Tehachapi Mountains of the Transverse Ranges in Southern California. Much of the salamander's habitat is currently located on land owned by Tejon Ranch.

Description

This salamander is dark brown in color with light, glittery-looking speckles of coppery red and silver covering its 3-inch length. Like other plethodontids it lacks lungs and breathes through its skin, which it must keep moist. It lives in damp leaf litter and emerges during high humidity or rain.

Conservation

The Tehachapi slender salamander is an IUCN Red List Vulnerable species.

References

Tehachapi slender salamander Wikipedia